Tokyo Will Box In Its Famous Hachiko Statue for Halloween

Shibuya is preparing for another Halloween crowd. According to SafeAbroad, crowd control runs October 30 and 31, with about 60 guards on October 30 and 125 on October 31 stationed at roughly 10 locations. The statue of Hachiko in Hachiko Square will be enclosed from 6:00 AM on October 30 until November 1, and traffic will be restricted near Shibuya Station. Anyone planning to pass through the area at night should expect barriers and slower movement.

Several rules apply year-round. Tabimania Japan notes that drinking on public streets is banned from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM in areas including Scramble Crossing, Center-Gai and Miyashita Park. There is no direct criminal penalty, but refusing to cooperate with police can lead to intervention. Littering draws an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 yen across the whole ward, including Harajuku, Omotesando and Ebisu.

Costumes are legal, but large props, revealing outfits or blocking traffic can draw police attention. At Scramble Crossing, photos are allowed but visitors must keep moving, and staff may use megaphones on anyone who lingers. Tabimania also lists measures it expects but has not confirmed, such as halted alcohol sales at nearby stores and one-way pedestrian flow, so it is wise to check Shibuya’s official announcements before going.

There are alternatives. Bars, izakayas and clubs remain open for indoor drinking, and Tabimania suggests the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest, Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios Japan and club parties in Roppongi and Shinjuku. October 31 falls on a Saturday this year, so visitors who still want to see Shibuya should arrive early, follow police instructions and have a plan for getting home.

Sources: SafeAbroad, Tabimania Japan